In-Box Review

Latest release from Pavla is a resin cockpit set including an ejector seat, a set for the control surfaces and a replacement resin nose. All are intended for the Airfix kit.

Sea Harrier F/A.2 cockpit set.
Contents contained in a vac formed blister pack. Included with this set:
1 x Cockpit tub, with nicely cast side consoles, throttle, fuse boxes and cabling.
1 x Instrument panel with beautifully cast low relief instruments and display screens. There is also a HUD frame moulded although you need to fabricate the glass of the HUD yourself.
2 x side walls with some framing and instrument details.
1 x Martin Baker Mk 12A ejection seat, which looks stunning. The harnesses and seat activation ring are moulded onto the seat.
1 x Control stick.
1 x Rudder pedals.
2 x Ducts.
Two small sheets of instructions and paint guide.

Some slight surgery is required to the kit. Reducing the size of the moulded shelf that the cockpit tub will sit on. Also the area just aft of the ejector seat needs removing. There is a little flash on some of the castings, but nothing a quick swipe with some wet and dry wont cure. All parts are cast onto blocks that need removing.

A fair bit off surgery is needed to utilise this set, but it will be worth it as it will make your F/A2 stand out that bit more from what you would otherwise see if built straight out of the box. The kits vertical tail, flaps and ailerons need to be removed. The cast pieces are beautifully thin, with very fine recessed panel lines. All parts are cast onto blocks that need removing. There were no instructions with my sample, which would have helped with some of the items that I am not sure about, for example there are what look like four flap actuators, two set at one angle the other two at a slightly different angle. The long probe half way up the leading edge of the fin is separate, and there is a locating hole in the fin for the resin probe.
Even if you chose not to replace the vertical tail, this is a very worthwhile set to have particularly for the flaps, ailerons and rudder.

This is a direct replacement for the kit's nose and captures the subtle curves nicely.

Ref no: U72-122
Price: £1.60

Conclusion

Excellent detail on all the castings a great way to improve the look of the Airfix Sea harrier F/A.2.Cockpit will require some very careful painting and highlighting, but should look rather good. Will suit folk who stay clear of PE bits. I look forward to using them on my Airfix Sea Harrier F/A2. Nice one Pavla.

SUMMARY

Highs: All parts beautifully cast. Simple but excellent instructions.Lows: Lack of instructions for the control surfaces set.Verdict: Highly recommended, go out and buy yourselves these updates and acquire the kit as well.